German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledged unequivocal support for Ukraine on Monday as she addressed Kiev, which wants Berlin to do more to help it defend against a possible Russian attack.
Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell defensive weapons to Kiev and for its perceived reluctance to prevent the flow of gas through the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if Moscow launches an attack.
Baerbock’s visit to Kiev, the second in three weeks, is part of a series of trips by senior officials from NATO member states seeking to show solidarity with Ukraine since Russia massed tens of thousands of troops near its borders. .
Moscow says it has no plans to attack but is seeking Western security guarantees, including a promise that Ukraine will never join NATO , a demand the military alliance has said is not possible. Western powers have threatened Russia with new sanctions if it launches an attack.
“During my visit to Kiev, I will once again make our position unequivocally clear: as Ukraine’s partner in the EU, NATO and the G7, with no buts to the territorial integrity of the country and on the side of the people of Ukraine,” Baerbock said. before your arrival.
“Together we will respond to any new Russian aggression against Ukraine with tough and very concrete measures,” he added.
Ukraine has pressured Germany to obtain military material. According to a letter sent last week by the Ukrainian embassyaccessed by Reuters, Kiev requested anti-aircraft and anti-rocket systems, anti-drone weapons and demining equipment.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday that he would raise Germany’s position with Baerbock. “Germany has repeatedly and publicly explained this decision. We believe that these explanations about Ukraine are unfair. We believe there is a broader space for Germany to act,” he noted.
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